James Jim W. Ellis

Jim was born in Kingman, Kansas to Martha & James Ellis on July 25, 1943. He received a BS from Southwestern College in Kansas and an MS in Economics from Wichita State University. Jim came to Michigan State University in 1967 to pursue a PhD in Economics which he nearly completed. While at MSU Jim took a research job with the Michigan Department of Social Services (MDSS). It was there he met the love of his life, Eileen Henry, whom he married in 1970. He also joined South Church in 1970. Somehow Jim never got “back home” to Kansas.

Jim became Director of Quality Assurance for MDSS. In 1997 he took advantage of early retirement to pursue his true passions of studying and teaching the Bible. He received an MA in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and was working on his thesis for a ThM from Calvin Seminary at the time of his death. Jim would wish to be rembered as a man who loved to study and teach – especially Old Testament. At South Church he served many roles over the years including teacher, deacon, basketball coach, and Sunday School Superintendent. But teaching was his favorite – at church, at seminary, at Cornerstone University, and on seven occasions at a Baptist Bible College in Ghana, West Africa.

Jim is survived by his wife Eileen; daughter Shelley of Dover, New Hampshire; brother John of Kansas City, Kansas; sister Elaine of Lansing; and sister-in-law Joyce Henry of Caro.

The family is being served by the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes. A funeral service will be held at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing, MI on Monday, June 14, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 13, 2010 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. & 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI and one hour prior to the service at the church. Contributions in memory of Jim may be made to Lansing City Rescue Mission, 607 E. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, MI or South Church.

Online condolences may be sent at www.gorslineruncimanlansing.com